DE112016006569B4 - input device - Google Patents

Abstract

An input device comprising:a switch;light sources including a first light source and a second light source arranged at a location other than a location of the first light source; anda light guide body,wherein the light guide body includes:an output section;a first light guide leg section connected to the output section; anda second optical fiber leg portion connected to the output portion,wherein the switch is adapted to switch a state between ON and OFF by being pushed in a pushing direction and being on a plane perpendicular to the pushing direction,wherein the output portion is in a range in an opposite direction from the pushing direction with respect to the plane,wherein the output section includes a first pattern and a second pattern,wherein the light guide body directs a first emitted light from the first light source and a second emitted light from the second light source in an opposite direction, the first leg portion of the fiber guides the first light to the output portion, the second leg portion of the fiber guides the second light to the output portion, the first pattern reflects the first light in the opposite direction, the second pattern reflects the second light in the opposite direction direction, the output portion is a flat plate-shaped member, and the first optical fiber leg portion and the second optical fiber leg portion are connected by portions bent at a predetermined angle with respect to the output portion.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present disclosure relates to an input device

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Conventionally known light display input devices are designed to display a display layout on a display operation unit of a switch knob by guiding a light emitted by a light source (see PTL 1).

PTL 2 discloses the provision of a compact display device with high flexibility in selecting emission colors of a light source. The display device includes a plurality of light sources mounted on a substrate and illuminated alternatively, and a light transmission body mounted on the substrate and configured to transmit light emitted from the light sources. The light transmission body has a plurality of side surfaces (light entrance surfaces) on which design patterns are printed and a predetermined common top bottom (light exit surface). The light sources are respectively provided in the side surfaces of the light transmission body. The light from the illuminated light sources is guided through the side surfaces of the light transmission body and enters the light transmission body and passes through the top bottom surface to exit the light transmission body.

PTL 3 discloses a lamp consisting of a relatively thin and flat light exit plate with a light exit window and a rear wall opposite the light exit window with opposite edge surfaces. At least one of the edge surfaces is translucent and connected to a multiplicity of light sources. The light emanating from the light sources is distributed in the plate. A variety of deformations are provided in the panel to extract light from the panel through the light exit window. The deformations are bundled in such a way that they form at least one light symbol. The arrangement of the accumulations of deformations corresponds to the shape of the light symbol. The luminaire preferably has a first and a second light-transmissive edge surface, each of which is associated with a first and a second plurality of light sources. A first group of deformations couples only the light of the first light source out of the plate, forming a first light symbol, while a second group of deformations only couples the light of the second light source out of the plate, forming a second light symbol, independently of the formation of the first light symbol. The lamp offers independent lighting and coloring options of light symbols in a one-piece lamp.

bibliography

patent literature

• PTL 1: Unexamined Japanese Patent Disclosure JP 2013-254597 A
• PTL 2: Unexamined Japanese Patent Disclosure JP 2011-180430 A
• PTL 3: Translation of the European patent specification DE 600 30 541 T2

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An input device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a switch, light sources, and a light guide body. The switch is configured to toggle between ON and OFF by being depressed. The light sources include a first light source and a second light source located at a location different from a location of the first light source. The light guide body guides a light emitted from the light sources in a direction opposite to a pushing direction of the switch. The light guide body includes an output portion, a first light guide leg portion, and a second light guide leg portion. The output section is arranged on an opposite side to the switch and is designed to output the lights emitted from the light sources in the opposite direction. The first light guide leg portion is connected to the output portion and guides the light emitted by the first light source to the output portion. The second light guide leg portion is connected to the output portion and guides the second light emitted by the second light source to the output portion. The output section includes a first pattern configured to emit light by reflecting the first light in the opposite direction and a second pattern configured to emit light by reflecting the second light in the opposite direction.

The input device of the present disclosure is capable of selectively displaying two patterns.

character list

• 1 12 is a view showing an example of an interior of a vehicle in which a Steering input device is arranged according to an exemplary embodiment.
• 2 12 is a view showing a usage example of the steering input device according to the exemplary embodiment.
• 3 14 is an appearance perspective view illustrating an input device according to the exemplary embodiment.
• 4 14 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the input device according to the exemplary embodiment.
• 5 is a sectional view taken along the line VV in 3 .
• 6 is a sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in 3 .
• 8th is a sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in 3 .
• 8th is a sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG 3 .
• 9 14 is a front view of a light guide body with first patterns displayed, viewed from a positive side in a Y-axis direction.
• 10 12 is a perspective view showing a relationship between a first light guide body having the first pattern displayed and two light sources.
• 11 14 is a front view of the light guide body with the second patterns displayed, viewed from the positive side in the Y-axis direction.
• 12 12 is a perspective view showing a relationship between the first light guide body with the second pattern displayed and the two light sources.
• 13 Fig. 12 is an explanatory drawing showing paths of lights emitted from two light sources in an output portion of the first light guide body.
• 14 Fig. 12 is a partially enlarged drawing of the first pattern in the output section.
• 15 12 is a drawing showing a relationship between the light guide body and two light sources according to a modification.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

Before describing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, problems of conventional devices will be briefly described. Selectively displaying one of two patterns having different shapes on a surface of a part to be operated for shifting is desired. However, according to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, one of two patterns cannot be displayed selectively.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides an input device that allows two patterns to be selectively displayed.

An input device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes: a switch configured to switch a state between ON and OFF by being pressed; Light sources including a first light source and a second light source arranged at a location other than a location of the first light source; and a light guide body configured to guide light emitted from the light sources in the opposite direction to the pushing direction of the switch. The light guide body includes an output section provided on the opposite side to the switch and adapted to emit lights emitted from the light sources in the opposite direction; a first light guide leg portion connected to the output portion and configured to guide the light emitted from the first light source to the output portion; and a second light guide leg portion connected to the output portion and configured to guide a second light emitted by the second light source to the output portion. The output section includes a first pattern configured to emit light by reflecting the first light in the opposite direction and a second pattern configured to emit light by reflecting the second light in the opposite direction.

In this arrangement, regarding the first pattern and the second pattern configured to emit light by reflecting lights, the first light guide leg portion configured to guide light to the first pattern and the first light source configured to do so is to emit light to the first light guide leg portion is provided for the first pattern, and the second light guide leg portion configured to guide light to the second pattern and the second light source configured to emit light to the second light guide leg portion for the second pattern provided. Accordingly, by selectively causing one of the first light source and the second light source to emit light, two patterns, that is, the first pattern and the second pattern, can be selectively displayed.

A first direction, which corresponds to an entrance direction of the first light into the first pattern, and a second direction, which corresponds to an entrance direction of the second light into the second pattern, may intersect with each other.

In this arrangement, since the first direction and the second direction intersect with each other, such a phenomenon that the first light is reflected toward the second pattern or the second light is reflected toward the first pattern can be reduced. In other words, any display of an unintended pattern due to reflection of unintended light can be reduced.

The output section may include a first reflective section configured to reflect the first light guided through the first fiber optic leg section to the first pattern and a second reflective section configured to reflect the second light guided through the second fiber optic leg section to the second pattern to reflect.

In this arrangement, the first light guided to the output section can be reflected by the first reflecting section and then guided to the first pattern, and the second light guided to the output section can first be reflected by the second reflecting section and then guided to the second pattern. Therefore, a width of the output portion 131 from entry points of the lights from the light sources to the respective patterns can be easily reduced. In other words, even the output section has the compact configuration, the first direction and the second direction can intersect each other, and thus any display of an unintended pattern due to reflection of unintended light can be reduced.

The first reflective portion and the second reflective portion may be formed in an identical area.

Accordingly, the first reflecting section and the second reflecting section can be used in common, and thus a compact design of the output section is achieved.

The output portion may be a flat plate-shaped member, and the first optical fiber leg portion and the second optical fiber leg portion may be connected by portions bent at a predetermined angle with respect to the output portion.

Therefore, even when the first light source and the second light source are mounted on a main surface of an identical base plate on a single side, the first light and the second light can be easily guided to the output portion.

At least parts of the first pattern and the second pattern may be formed to overlap each other.

Therefore, a compact design of the discharge section is achieved.

The first light guide leg portion may include a first stepped surface intersecting a third direction corresponding to a traveling direction of the first light and facing the third direction, and the second light guide leg portion may include a second stepped surface intersecting a fourth direction corresponding to a traveling direction of the corresponds to the second light and points to the fourth direction.

Therefore, the light emitted from the first light source and the second light source can be condensed into lights that can be reflected by the first stepped surface and the second stepped surface substantially into the first pattern and the second pattern. Accordingly, the entry of light not involved in the display of the first pattern and the second pattern into the output section can be reduced, and the display of other parts by illuminating when one of the first pattern and the second pattern is selectively displayed , can also be reduced.

The first optical fiber leg portion may include a plurality of first stepped surfaces located at different locations in the third direction, and the second optical fiber leg portion may include a plurality of second stepped surfaces located at different locations in the fourth direction.

Therefore, the light emitted from the first light source and the second light source can be efficiently condensed into lights that can be reflected by the first stepped surfaces and the second stepped surfaces substantially into the first pattern and the second pattern.

The first stepped surface and the second stepped surface may be colored black.

Therefore, reflection of the first light and the second light from the first stepped surface and the second stepped surface can be reduced. Therefore, the light emitted from the first light source and the second light source can be effectively condensed into lights formed by the first stepped surface and the second stepped surface im Can be reflected substantially to the first pattern and to the second pattern.

The surface area of the first stepped surface is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the first optical fiber leg portion at a region where the first stepped surface is provided, and the surface area of the second stepped surface may be smaller than a cross-sectional area of the second fiber leg portion at a region where the second stepped surface is provided.

Therefore, the light emitted from the first light source and the second light source can be effectively condensed into lights that can be reflected by the first stepped surface and the second stepped surface substantially into the first pattern and the second pattern.

The output section may include a third stepped surface arranged on an extension of the first direction, which corresponds to an entrance direction of the first light into the first pattern, intersects the first direction and faces the first direction, and a fourth stepped surface arranged on a extension of the second direction, which corresponds to an entrance direction of the second light into the second pattern, intersects the second direction and faces the second direction.

Therefore, reflection of light that entered the first pattern but is not reflected by the first pattern in a direction different from the first direction at an end of the output portion can be reduced. Also, a reflection of light that entered the second pattern but is not reflected by the second pattern in a direction different from the second direction at an end of the output portion can be reduced. Accordingly, the staying of light not involved in the display of the first pattern and the second pattern in the output section can be reduced, and thus unintentional illumination and display of other parts when one of the first pattern and the second pattern is selectively displayed can be reduced .

The output section may include a plurality of third stepped surfaces arranged at different positions in a fifth direction and a plurality of fourth stepped surfaces arranged at different positions in the fifth direction, and the plurality of third stepped surfaces and the plurality of fourth stepped surfaces Faces can be arranged alternately in the fifth direction. The fifth direction intersects the first direction and the second direction.

In this configuration, since the plurality of third stepped surfaces and the plurality of fourth stepped surfaces are arranged in the same fifth direction, the plurality of third stepped surfaces and the plurality of fourth stepped surfaces can be arranged on a limited area of the discharge section. Consequently, the staying of light not involved in the display of the first pattern and the second pattern in the output section can be reduced more effectively, and thus unintentional lighting and display of other parts when one of the first pattern and the second pattern is selectively displayed can be reduced be.

The third stepped faces and the fourth stepped faces may be colored black.

Therefore, reflection of the first light and the second light from the third stepped surface and the fourth stepped surface can be reduced. Consequently, the staying of light not involved in the display of the first pattern and the second pattern in the output section can be reduced more effectively, and thus unintentional lighting and display of other parts when one of the first pattern and the second pattern is selectively displayed can be reduced be.

The switch, the first light source, and the second light source can be mounted on an identical wiring board.

Therefore, the switch, the first light source, and the second light source can be arranged in a simple configuration. The input device with a compact design is easily achieved.

The input device according to an aspect of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It should be noted that the exemplary embodiment described below represents a specific example of the present disclosure. Numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, arrangement positions and connection manners of the constituent elements, steps, order of steps, and the like illustrated in the following exemplary embodiment are only examples, and therefore are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the constituent elements in the following exemplary embodiments, those constituent elements that are not mentioned in the independent claim specifying the broadest concept are described as optional constituent elements.

(exemplary embodiment)

[1-1. steering input device design]

First, with reference to 1 and 2 A configuration of the steering input device 2 according to the exemplary embodiment will be described. 1 12 is a view showing an example of an interior of a vehicle in which a steering input device 2 according to a first exemplary embodiment is arranged. 2 12 is a view showing a usage example of the steering input device 2 according to the exemplary embodiment.

The steering input device 2 and an onboard device 6 are integrated in an in 1 shown interior of an automobile 4 (an example of a vehicle). The steering input device 2 according to the exemplary embodiment includes a steering wheel 8 and an input device 100.

The steering wheel 8 is used to steer the automobile 4 . The steering wheel 8 includes a rim 12 having a ring shape, a spoke 14 integrally formed on an inner peripheral surface of the rim 12 and having a substantially T-shape, and a horn switch cover 16 for covering a horn switch (not shown) that is arranged in the middle of the spoke 14.

The input device 100 is used to operate the onboard device 6 and is arranged on the spoke 14 of the steering wheel 8, for example. As in 2 1, a user, that is, a driver can input through the input device 100 with a finger 18 of the right hand holding the rim 12 (an example of an operation object) and operate the onboard device 6 . A configuration of the input device 100 is described in detail below.

The onboard device 6 may be, for example, an audio device configured to play back optical discs such as a compact disc. The onboard device 6 is arranged in an instrument panel 20, for example. A configuration of the onboard device 6 is described in detail below.

[1-2. input device design]

Next, with reference to 3 and 4 a configuration of the input device 100 according to the exemplary embodiment is described. 3 14 is an appearance perspective view illustrating an input device 100 according to the exemplary embodiment. 4 14 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the input device 100 according to the exemplary embodiment. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line VV in 3 . 6 is a sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in 3 . 7 is a sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in 3 . 8th is a sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG 3 .

As in 3 until 8th shown, the input device 100 according to the exemplary embodiment includes a housing 111, a first operating unit 112, a light guide body 113, a first support unit 114, an axis body 115, a second operating unit 116, a second support unit 117 and a base plate 118.

The case 111 is a member configured to cover a front side (a positive side in the Z-axis direction) of the input device 100 .

The first operation unit 112 is a member configured to selectively press one of four switches 151 mounted on the base plate 118 provided on a rear side (a negative side in the Z-axis direction) by passing through a driver is operated. The first operation unit 112 is pivotally and biaxially supported by the first support unit 114, the axle body 115, and the second support unit 117. As shown in FIG. More specifically, the first operation unit 112 is pivotally supported about an axis in directions parallel to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

For example, when a driver presses a part 125 of the first operating unit 112 that is on a positive side in the X-axis direction, the part 125 pivots about a first axis parallel to the Y-axis direction of the axis body 115 and presses the switch 151 that is on located at a location on base plate 118 corresponding to part 125. Also, when a driver presses, for example, a part 126 of the first operation unit 112 that is on a positive side in the Y-axis direction, the first operation unit 112 causes the part 126 to pivot about a second axis parallel to the X-axis direction of the axis body 115 and to press a switch 152 located at a location on base plate 118 corresponding to part 126. In the same way, when a part 127 of the first operation unit 112 located on a negative side in the X-axis direction is pressed, the part 127 presses a switch 153 arranged at a position corresponding to the part 127 and when a part 128 of the first operation unit 112 that is on a negative side in the Y-axis direction is pressed, the presses part 128 a switch 154 located at a location corresponding to part 128,

The light guide body 113 guides lights emitted from the light sources 161 to 164 mounted on the base plate 118 from the switch 151 in an opposite direction to a pressing direction of the switch 151. The light guide body 113 may be formed of a transparent material such as acrylic plastic, polycarbonate plastic and the like. The precise design of the light guide body 113 is described further below.

The first support unit 114 is a member for supporting the first operation unit 112 and the light guide body 113. The first support unit 114 also supports the axis body 115 pivotably about the first axis.

The second support unit 117 is a member for supporting the second operation unit 116. The second support unit 117 supports the axis body 115 pivotably about the second axis.

The first support unit 114 and the second support unit 117 are arranged so as not to interfere with each other. Therefore, the first support unit 114 is allowed to biaxially pivot with respect to the second support unit 117 via the axle body 115 . Accordingly, the first operation unit 112 can pivot biaxially.

The second operation unit 116 is slidably supported with respect to the second support unit 117 in the Z-axis direction. When the second operation unit 116 is pressed to the negative side in the Z-axis direction, the second operation unit 116 presses the switch 155 arranged at a center of the base plate 118.

The first carrier unit 114, the axle body 115, the second operating unit 116 and the second carrier unit 117 are formed from a light-tight plastic, for example.

The base board 118 is a wiring board containing a plurality of switches 151 to 155 and a plurality of light sources 161 to 164 as light sources. The plurality of switches 151 to 155 and the plurality of light sources 161 to 164 are mounted on a main surface of the base plate 118 on a front side (positive side in the Z-axis direction). Therefore, the plurality of switches 151 to 155 and the plurality of light sources 161 to 164 can be arranged in a simple configuration.

The plurality of switches 151 to 155 are arranged on the main surface of the base plate 118 at positions different from each other. Also, the plurality of light sources 161 to 164 are arranged at positions different from each other on the main surface of the base plate 118 .

The plurality of switches 151 to 155 are switches configured to switch the state between ON and OFF by being pressed. More specifically, each of the plurality of switches 151 to 155 is a switch configured to switch the state between ON and OFF of a predetermined function by being pressed.

Each of the plurality of light sources 161-164 may be a light emitting diode (LED), for example.

The first operating unit 112 is made of a translucent material and can be made of a plastic, for example. The first operation unit 112 may be colored in a smoky color. Accordingly, when the light sources 161 to 164 mounted on the base plate 118 emit lights from the first pattern 141 (see 9 and 10 ) and from the second pattern 142 (see 11 and 12 ) formed on the light guide body 113, emitted lights are output to the positive side in the Z-axis direction. On the other hand, when the light sources 161 to 164 do not emit lights, visibility of internal components to a driver may be reduced.

[1-3. design of light guide body]

With reference to 9 and 10 A configuration of the light guide body 113 according to the exemplary embodiment will be described. 9 14 is a front view showing a light guide body 113 when a first pattern 141 is displayed, viewed from a positive side in the Z-axis direction. 10 Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing a relationship between a first light guide body 121 and two light sources 161, 162 when the first pattern 141 is displayed. 11 14 is a front view showing a light guide body 113 when the second pattern 142 is displayed, viewed from the positive side in the Z-axis direction. 12 Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing a relationship between a first light guide body 121 and two light sources 161, 162 when the second pattern 142 is displayed.

As in 9 and 11 1, the light guide body 113 includes a first light guide body 121, a second light guide body 122, a third light guide body 123, and a fourth light guide body 124. The first light guide body 121 is on the positive side in the X-axis direction arranged, the second light guide body 122 is arranged on the negative side in the Y-axis direction, the third light guide body 123 is arranged on the negative side in the X-axis direction, and the fourth light guide body is arranged on the positive side in the Y-axis direction.

As in 9 As shown, the first pattern 141 is formed on each of the light guide bodies 121-124. The first pattern 141 has a hook shape to indicate an arrangement direction of each of the light guide bodies 121 to 124 . As in 11 As shown, the second pattern 142 is formed on each of the light guide bodies 121-124. The second pattern 142 has a different shape than the first pattern 141. The second pattern 142 has a shape indicating, for example, skip to the next piece of music, skip to the previous piece of music, turn up the volume, or turn down the volume. Note that the first pattern 141 and the second pattern 142 may have any shape as long as they have different shapes from each other.

Next, with reference to 10 and 12 the shape of the first light guide body 121 will be described. Since the second light guide body 122, the third light guide body 123 and the fourth light guide body 124 are similar in shape to the first light guide body 121 except for a difference in at least one of the first pattern 141 and the second pattern 142, their description is omitted.

As in 10 and 12 indicated, the first light guide body 121 includes an output portion 131, a first light guide leg portion 132 and a second light guide leg portion 133.

The output portion 131 is provided on the opposite side (positive side in the Z-axis direction) to the switch 151 and emits light emitted from the light source 161 or the light source 162 to the positive side in the Z-axis direction. The output portion 131 is a flat plate-shaped member and is arranged substantially parallel to the XY plane. The output section 131 includes the first pattern 141 and the second pattern 142. The first pattern 141 emits light by reflecting the first light emitted from the first light source, which corresponds to the light source 161, to the positive side in the Z-axis direction. The second pattern 142 emits light by reflecting the second light emitted from the second light source corresponding to the light source 162 to the positive side in the Z-axis direction. At least parts of the first pattern 141 and the second pattern 142 are formed to overlap each other as shown in FIG 14 shown and described below.

The output portion 131 also includes a first reflective portion 134a and a second reflective portion 134b. The first reflecting portion 134a is a reflecting surface configured to reflect the first light guided through the first light guide leg portion 132 toward the first pattern 141 . The second reflecting portion 134 b is a reflecting surface configured to reflect the second light guided through the second light guide leg portion 133 toward the second pattern 142 . The first reflective portion 134a and the second reflective portion 134b are formed in an identical surface 134 . Note that the surface 134 is an end surface parallel to the Y-Z plane and facing the positive side in the X-axis direction of the output portion 131 . Therefore, the first reflecting portion 134a and the second reflecting portion 134b can be provided in common by the identical surface 134, and thus compact configuration of the output portion 131 is easily achieved.

In this configuration, the first light and the second light guided to the output portion 131 can be reflected once by the first reflecting portion 134a and the second reflecting portion 134b, respectively, and then guided to the first pattern 141 and the second pattern 142. This configuration easily achieves a reduction in a width of the output portion 131 from entry points of the respective lights emitted from the light sources 161, 162 to respective patterns 141, 142.

The first light guide leg portion 132 is connected to the output portion 131 and guides the first light emitted by the first light source corresponding to the light source 161 to the output portion 131. More specifically, the first light guide leg portion 132 is a part extending substantially parallel to the Z-axis direction of an end of the output portion 131 on the positive side in the Y-axis direction toward the light source 161 via the curved portion 132a curved at a predetermined angle. In other words, the first optical fiber leg portion 132 is connected to the output portion 131 via the curved portion 132a.

The second leg portion 133 is connected to the output portion 131 and guides the second light emitted by the second light source corresponding to the light source 162 to the output portion 131. More specifically, the second leg portion 133 is a part located in the Substantially parallel to the Z-axis direction from an end of the output portion 131 on the negative side in the Y-axis direction toward the light source 162 via the curved portion 133a curved at a predetermined angle. In other words, the second optical fiber leg portion 133 is connected to the output portion 131 via the curved portion 133a.

As described above, each of the light guide bodies 121-124 is arranged over two light sources out of four light sources 161-164. In other words, each of the light guide bodies 121 to 124 is capable of either displaying the first pattern 141 by the first light from the first light source or displaying the second pattern 142 by the second light from the second light source by selectively displaying lights from the first Light source and the second light source from four light sources 161 to 164 shine.

In the exemplary embodiment, the input device 100 operates in a variety of operational modes. For example, the input device 100 operates in two modes of operation, including a menu selection mode that corresponds to the first mode of operation and a music playback mode that corresponds to the second mode of operation. The input device 100 can switch functions among the functions preset for the plurality of switches 151 to 155 depending on the operation mode turned on by predetermined switching means. The predetermined switching device may include various switching devices, such as turning on and off other switches, voice recognition, and gesture recognition.

In the input device 100, functions for a plurality of dedicated switches correspond one to one to functions emitted by pairs of the light sources depending on the operation mode. For example, in a first mode of operation, the plurality of switches 151 to 155 function as a four-way button for moving a menu item mark for selection in a menu and as an execute button for setting the selected menu item. In the second mode of operation, the plurality of switches 151 to 155 function as buttons for, for example, skip to the next piece of music, skip to the previous piece of music, turn up the volume or turn down the volume, play and pause.

Accordingly, in the present exemplary embodiment, the first pattern 141 is displayed in the first operation mode, and the second pattern 142 is displayed in the second operation mode by selectively illuminating one of the first light source and the second light source depending on the operation mode.

The plurality of light sources 161 to 164 will now be described in more detail: when one of two pairs of light sources 161 to 164 arranged at diagonal corners of the plurality of light sources 161 to 164, that is, a pair of light sources 161, 163 out of the plurality of light sources 161 to 164 is lit, the other pair of light sources 162, 164 is turned off, while when the other pair of light sources 162, 164 is lit, the one pair of light sources 161, 163 is turned off. In other words, depending on whether the operating mode is the first operating mode or the second operating mode, the state of the light sources is selectively translated between a first state and a second state. In the first state, one pair of light sources 161, 163 is on and the other pair of light sources 162, 164 is off. In the second state, the other pair of light sources 162, 164 is lit and one pair of light sources 161, 163 is off. In the exemplary embodiment, when the mode of operation of the plurality of switches 151-155 is the first mode of operation, the plurality of light sources 161-164 assume the first state and illuminate the first pattern 141. When the mode of operation of the plurality of switches 151-155 is the second is the operation mode, the plurality of light sources 161 to 164 assume the second state and display the second pattern 142 .

Note that when the plurality of switches 151 to 155 are brought into OFF states by external switches, for example, all of the plurality of light sources 161 to 164 may be turned off.

As described up to here, the first light from the light source 161 passes through the first light guide leg portion 132 to the positive side in the Z-axis direction (third direction D3), is reflected by the curved portion 132a, and is simultaneously bent in a direction parallel to the output portion 131 and then enters the output section 131. Likewise, the second light from the light source 162 passes through the second light guide leg portion 133 to the positive side in the Z-axis direction (fourth direction D4), is reflected by the curved portion 133a, and is simultaneously bent in a direction parallel to the output portion 131, and then enters the output section 131 enters. In this way, in the exemplary embodiment, the first optical fiber leg portion 132 and the second optical fiber leg portion 133 can be provided with a configuration described below for preventing stray light that does not contribute to the display of the first pattern 141 and the second pattern 142. before the first light or the second light enters the output section 131 .

More precisely contains, as in 10 and 12 1, the first optical fiber leg portion 132 has the first stepped surfaces 135, 136 intersecting the third direction D3 corresponding to a traveling direction of the first light and facing the third direction D3 with part of the stepped surfaces 135, 136 opened. Also, the second light guide leg portion 133 includes the second stepped surfaces 137, 138 intersecting the fourth direction D4 corresponding to the travel direction of the second light and facing the fourth direction D4 with part of the stepped surfaces 137, 138 opened. In other words, the first stepped surfaces 135 and 136 and the second stepped surfaces 137 and 138 face the positive side in the Z-axis direction.

Therefore, the lights emitted from the light source 161 corresponding to the first light source and from the light source 162 corresponding to the second light source can be condensed into lights formed by the first stepped surfaces 135, 136 and the second stepped surfaces 137, 138 can be reflected substantially to the first pattern 141 and the second pattern 142 . Accordingly, entry of light not involved in displaying the first pattern 141 and the second pattern 142 into the output section 131 can be reduced, and displaying other parts by illuminating when one of the first pattern 141 and the second Pattern 142 optionally displayed may be reduced.

Pairs of first stepped surfaces 135, 136 are formed on both sides of the path of the first light traveling in the third direction D3. The first stepped surfaces 135 and the first stepped surfaces 136 are located at different locations in the third direction D3. Also, pairs of second stepped surfaces 137, 138 are formed on both sides of the path of the second light traveling in the fourth direction D4. The second stepped surfaces 137 and the second stepped surfaces 138 are located at different positions in the fourth direction D4. Therefore, the lights from the light sources 161, 162 can be efficiently condensed into lights which can be reflected at the first stepped surfaces 135, 136 and the second stepped surfaces 137, 138 substantially into the first pattern 141 and the second pattern 142.

The first stepped surfaces 135, 136 and the second stepped surfaces 137, 138 may be colored black. This coloring can reduce the reflection of the first light and the second light by the first stepped surfaces 135, 136 and the second stepped surfaces 137, 138. Therefore, the lights emitted from the light sources 161, 162 can be efficiently condensed into lights which can be reflected by the first stepped surfaces 135, 136 and the second stepped surfaces 137, 138 substantially into the first pattern 141 and the second pattern 142.

The area size of each of the first stepped faces 135 is preferably smaller than the cross-sectional area of a part of the first optical fiber leg portion 132 at a location where the first stepped faces 135 are provided. Also, the area size of each of the first stepped surfaces 136 is preferably smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first optical fiber leg portion 132 at a location where the first stepped surfaces 136 are provided. Also, the area size of each of the second stepped faces 137 is preferably smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second optical fiber leg portion 133 at a position where the second stepped faces 137 are provided. Also, the area size of each of the second stepped faces 138 is preferably smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second optical fiber leg portion 133 at a location where the second stepped faces 138 are provided.

As used herein, the term "area size of the first stepped surfaces 135" is intended to include a grand total of the area sizes of a plurality of surfaces when the first stepped surface includes a plurality of surfaces. As used herein, the term “area size of a part of the first optical fiber leg portion 132 at a location where first stepped surfaces 135 are provided” is intended to include an area size of a cross section of the first optical fiber leg portion 132 along a plane perpendicular to the Z-axis direction at a location , on which stepped surfaces 135 are provided in the Z-axis direction. The same applies to the first stepped surfaces 136 and each of the second stepped surfaces 137, 138.

The first light and the second light, which are guided to the output portion 131 through the first light guide leg portion 132 and the second light guide leg portion 133, then travel from the output portion 131 to the first pattern 141 and the second pattern 142, respectively entering the output portion 131 may generate stray light that does not contribute to displaying the first pattern 141 and the second pattern 142 at the output portion 131, regardless of a device for preventing or reducing stray light in the first optical fiber leg portion 132 and second optical fiber leg portion 133. Therefore, a following Be used design to prevent stray light generated at the output portion 131 or to reduce. With reference to 13 and 14 the design is described.

13 12 is an explanatory view showing a path of light emitted from two light sources 161, 162 in an output portion 131 of the first light guide body 121. FIG. 14 14 is a partially enlarged view of the first pattern 141 in the output section 131.

As in 13 As illustrated, the first light guided through the first leg portion 132 to the output portion 131 enters the first pattern 141 in the first direction D1, and the second light guided through the second leg portion 133 to the output portion 131 enters the second pattern 142 in the second direction D2 a. The first direction D1 and the second direction D2 intersect each other. More specifically, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are substantially perpendicular to each other.

As in 14 As shown, the first pattern 141 includes a plurality of inclined surfaces 141a extending substantially parallel to the second direction D2 and intersecting the first direction D1. The second pattern 142, although not shown, includes a plurality of inclined surfaces extending substantially parallel to the first direction D1. Accordingly, the first pattern 141 has a configuration that allows reflection of the first light traveling in the first direction D1 but opposes reflection of the second light traveling in the second direction D2. Likewise, the second pattern 142 has a configuration that allows reflection of the second light traveling in the second direction D2 but opposes reflection of the first light traveling in the first direction D1.

In this way, since the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 intersect with each other, reflection of the first light from the second pattern 142 or reflection of the second light from the first pattern 141 can be reduced. In other words, slight display of an unintended pattern due to reflection of lights not provided by the first pattern 141 and second pattern 142 can be reduced.

The output portion 131 also includes third stepped surfaces 139 and fourth stepped surfaces 140. The third stepped surfaces 139 are surfaces located on an extension of the first direction D1 corresponding to an entrance direction of the first light into the first pattern 141, the first direction D1 intersect and face the first direction D1 with a part of the third stepped surfaces 139 opened. The fourth stepped surfaces 140 are surfaces arranged on an extension of the second direction D2 corresponding to an incident direction of the second light into the second pattern 142, intersecting the second direction D2 and facing the second direction D2, with a part of the fourth stepped Areas 140 is open.

This configuration enables a reduction in reflection of light that entered the first pattern 141 but is not reflected by the first pattern 141 in a direction other than the first direction D1 at an end of the output portion 131 on the negative side in an X-axis direction is. Also, this configuration enables a reduction in reflection of light that entered the second pattern 142 but not through the second pattern 142 in a direction other than the second direction D2 at an end of the output portion 131 on the negative side in the X-axis. Axis direction is reflected. Accordingly, the staying of light not involved in the display of the first pattern 141 and the second pattern 142 in the output section 131 can be reduced, and display of other parts of the output section 131 by illuminating can be reduced when one of the first pattern 141 and the second pattern 142 is optionally displayed.

As in 12 1, a plurality of third stepped surfaces 139 are formed, and the plurality of third stepped surfaces 139 are formed at different locations in a fifth direction D5 (the Y-axis direction in 12 ) which intersects the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. Also, a plurality of fourth stepped surfaces 140 are formed, and the plurality of fourth stepped surfaces 140 are at different positions in the Y-axis direction in FIG 12 arranged. The plurality of third stepped surfaces 139 and the plurality of fourth stepped surfaces 140 are alternately arranged in the Y-axis direction.

In this way, the alternating arrangement of the plurality of third stepped surfaces 139 and the plurality of fourth stepped surfaces 140 in the Y-axis direction enables the plurality of third stepped surfaces 139 and the plurality of fourth stepped surfaces 140 to be arranged in a restricted area of the output portion 131 remaining of light not involved in the display of the first pattern 141 and the second pattern 142 in the output section 131 can be reduced more effectively, and display of other parts by illuminating can be reduced when one of the first pattern 141 and the second pattern 142 is optional is displayed.

in the in 12 As illustrated in the first light guide body 121, the plurality of third stepped surfaces 139 and the plurality of fourth stepped surfaces 140 are arranged alternately as described above. However, the same is also true for the third light guide body 123, and the stepped surfaces are arranged alternately in the Y-axis direction. On the other hand, the plurality of third stepped surfaces 139 and the plurality of fourth stepped surfaces 140 are arranged on the second light guide body 122 and the fourth light guide body 124 alternately in the X-axis direction, as shown in FIG 11 shown.

The third stepped surfaces 139 and the fourth stepped surfaces 140 may be colored black. Therefore, reflection of the first light and the second light from the third stepped surface 139 and the fourth stepped surface 140 can be reduced. Consequently, staying in the output portion 131 of light not involved in the display of the first pattern 141 and the second pattern 142 can be reduced more effectively, and display of other parts by lighting can be reduced when one of the first pattern 141 and the second pattern 142 is optionally displayed.

[1-4. beneficial effects]

According to the input device 100 of the exemplary embodiment, regarding the first pattern 141 and the second pattern 142 configured to emit lights by reflecting lights, the first fiber leg portion 132 and the second fiber leg portion 133 configured to emit lights to the corresponding ones of the first pattern 141 and the second pattern 142, and the light source 161 and the light source 162 configured to emit light to the corresponding light guide leg portions. Accordingly, by selectively causing one of the light source 161 and the light source 162 to emit light, two patterns, that is, the first pattern 141 and the second pattern 142 can be selectively displayed.

(Modification)

In the exemplary embodiment described above, the output section 131 is provided with a first reflecting section 134a and a second reflecting section 134b, which are configured to reflect the first light and the second light transmitted through the first optical fiber leg section 132 and the second optical fiber leg section 133, respectively, to the output section 131 are routed to route to the first pattern and to the second pattern. However, the first reflective portion 134a and the second reflective portion 134b need not be provided on the output portion 131. For example, as in 15 shown, the light guide body 221 may be used. The light guide body 221 is configured to guide the first light and the second light guided to the output portion 231 through the first light guide leg portion 232 and the second light guide leg portion 233, respectively, to the first pattern and the second pattern without reflection. As in 15 As illustrated, an angle of intersection between the first direction D11 and the second direction D12 may be greater than 90 degrees, such as 120 degrees. The first direction D11 is a traveling direction of the first light guided through the output portion 231 , and the second direction D12 is a traveling direction of the second light guided by the output portion 231 . 15 12 is a view showing a relationship between the light guide body 221 and two light sources 161, 162 according to a modification.

In the exemplary embodiment described above, two first stepped surfaces 135, 136 are respectively formed on the first optical fiber leg portion 132 at different positions in the third direction. However, the number of first stepped surfaces 135, 136 is not limited to two, but three or more stepped surfaces may be formed.

In the exemplary embodiment described above, each of the first stepped surfaces 135, 136 is formed on both sides of the path of the first light traveling in the third direction D3. However, the first stepped surfaces 135, 136 may be formed on a path side of the first light traveling in the third direction D3, or may be formed so as to surround the path. The same applies to the second stepped surfaces 137, 138.

In the exemplary embodiment, the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4 are directions substantially parallel to each other in the Z-axis direction and are substantially the same direction. However, the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4 may be directions different from each other. In other words, although the first optical fiber leg portion 132 and the second optical fiber leg portion 133 are described as extending substantially parallel to each other in the Z-axis direction, the first optical fiber leg portion 132 and the second optical fiber leg portion 133 may extend to intersect with each other .

While the input devices according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure are described above based on the exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. Arrangements in which various modifications devised by those skilled in the art to the present example Embodiment made, and arrangements made by combining components in different exemplary embodiments may also fall within the scope of one or more aspects of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

Commercial Applicability

The present disclosure provides an efficient input device that allows one of two patterns to be selectively displayed.

Reference List

2

steering input device

4

automobile

6

vehicle on-board device

8th

steering wheel

12

wreath

14

spoke

16

horn switch cover

18

finger

20

dashboard

100

input device

111

housing

112

first control panel

113, 221

light guide body

114

first carrier unit

115

axle body

116

second control panel

117

second carrier unit

118

base plate

121

first light guide body

122

second light guide body

123

third light guide body

124

fourth light guide body

131, 231

output section

132, 232

first fiber optic leg section

132a

curved section

133, 233

second fiber optic leg section

133a

curved section

134

surface

134a

first reflective section

134b

second reflective section

135, 136

first stepped surface

137, 138

second stepped surface

139

third stepped surface

140

fourth stepped surface

141

first pattern

141a

inclined surface

142

second pattern

151 to 155

counter

161 to 164

light source

D1, D11

first direction

D2, D12

second direction

D3

third direction

D4

fourth direction

D5

fifth direction

Claims (11)

An input device comprising: a switch; Light sources including a first light source and a second light source arranged at a location other than a location of the first light source; and a light guide body, the light guide body including: an output section; a first optical fiber leg portion connected to the output portion; and a second optical fiber leg portion connected to the output portion, wherein the switch is configured to switch a state between ON and OFF by being pushed in a pushing direction and being on a plane perpendicular to the pushing direction, the output portion in a area is provided in an opposite direction from the pressing direction with respect to the plane, wherein the output portion includes a first pattern and a second pattern, wherein the light guide body transmits a first emitted light from the first light source and a second emitted light from the second light source into a opposite direction, the first light guide leg portion guides the first light to the output portion, the second light guide leg portion guides the second light to the output portion, the first pattern guides the first light in the opposite direction set direction, the second pattern reflects the second light in the opposite direction, the output portion is a flat plate-shaped member, and the first optical fiber leg portion and the second optical fiber leg portion are connected by portions bent at a predetermined angle with respect to the output portion. input device claim 1 , wherein the first light enters the first pattern in a first direction, the second light enters the second pattern in a second direction, and the first direction and the second direction intersect. input device claim 2 wherein the output portion comprises a first reflective portion and a second reflective portion, wherein the first reflective portion is configured to reflect the first light guided through the first light guide leg portion toward the first pattern, and wherein the second reflective portion is configured to reflecting the second light guided through the second light guide leg portion toward the second pattern. input device claim 3 , wherein the first reflective portion and the second reflective portion are formed in an identical surface. Input device according to one of Claims 1 until 4 , wherein at least parts of the first pattern and the second pattern are formed to overlap each other. Input device according to one of Claims 1 until 5 wherein the first light guide leg portion includes at least a first stepped surface intersecting a third direction corresponding to a traveling direction of the first light, the second light guide leg portion includes at least a second stepped surface intersecting a fourth direction corresponding to a traveling direction of the second light, the at least one first stepped surface faces the third direction or is colored black, and the at least one second stepped surface faces the fourth direction or is colored black. input device claim 6 wherein the at least one first stepped surface includes a plurality of the first stepped surfaces located at different locations in the third direction, and the at least one second stepped surface includes a plurality of the second stepped surfaces located at different locations in the fourth direction are arranged. Input device according to one of Claims 6 until 7 wherein an area size of each of the first stepped faces is smaller than an area size of a cross-sectional area of the first optical fiber leg portion at a position where the first stepped faces are provided along a plane perpendicular to the pressing direction, and an area size of each of the second stepped faces is smaller than an area size of a cross-sectional area of the second optical fiber leg portion at a position where the second stepped surfaces are provided along a plane perpendicular to the pressing direction. Input device according to one of claims 2 until 8th wherein the output section includes: at least a third stepped surface arranged on an extension of the first direction, which corresponds to an entrance direction of the first light into the first pattern and intersects the first direction, at least a fourth stepped surface arranged on an extension of the second direction corresponding to an entrance direction of the second light into the second pattern and intersecting the second direction, wherein the at least one third stepped surface faces the first direction or is colored black, and wherein the at least one fourth stepped surface faces the second direction or is colored black. input device claim 9 wherein the at least one third stepped surface is a plurality of third stepped surfaces arranged in a fifth direction, the fifth direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction; and the at least one fourth stepped surface is a plurality of fourth stepped surfaces arranged at different locations in the fifth direction, and wherein the plurality of third stepped surfaces and the plurality of fourth stepped surfaces are arranged alternately in the fifth direction. An input device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the switch, the first light source and the second light source are mounted on an identical wired substrate.

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